FIFTY graves were brutally desecrated at Old Woking Burial Ground last week.

The heartless and indiscriminate attack saw a child’s grave knocked over and smashed into three pieces. Gravestones were smashed, monuments desecrated, angels’ heads had been knocked off, crosses destroyed and fires had been started. Fighting back tears, former Woking FC and Second World War veteran Dennis Smith from St John’s said: “Seeing this just breaks my heart. “My brother-in-law John came down last Tuesday from Sussex to visit his mother’s grave, as it was her anniversary, and the place looked like a battlefield. “I went to the cemetery with my wife Stella Elsie and when we got there we couldn’t believe what we saw. The cemetery had been desecrated. “Graves that had crosses were smashed — they left my mother’s grave alone because there was no cross.” He said: “I was so incensed and wondered why anyone would do that. “These people are not fit to be buried or sent to God’s home. This is absolutely disgusting. What sort of people are they? I don’t think people today respect the law like they should.” Brother-in-law John Boxall, 72, said: “It’s a lovely peaceful beauty spot — whoever did this has no respect at all for their elders.” Geoff Ward, outdoor amenities officer for Woking Borough Council, said: “We are responsible for the maintenance of the graveyard, such as collecting rubbish, grass cutting and tree repairs. “We will now work with St Peter’s Church to record the names on the damaged graves and contact relatives. “If we are unable to do that, we will work together to determine what repairs are necessary.” The Rev Barry Grimster of St Peter’s Church said: “This is a very disturbing incident and above all, of course, for the families whose graves have been treated in this terrible way. “We deeply regret what has happened and invite your prayers for the families affected. “The burial ground is in a normally quiet, secluded location conducive to mourning and reflection. “Unfortunately it is impossible to keep it under permanent surveillance.” He said: “We are grateful to anyone who reports anything discovered to be amiss from time to time. “This crime seems symptomatic of the times in which we live and underlines the urgency of a return to the faith and values of the One who died for us all.” Old Woking’s beat officer, PC Ian Davies, said: “There are graves dating back 150 years to the present day and I would like to catch the people who carried out this despicable crime.” Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact PC Davies at Woking Police Station on 01483 761991. Alternatively calls can be made anonymously and free of charge to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.